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The ‘Real’ winners

21 October 2017

After Real Madrid were confirmed in the 2017 UEFA Champions League final, our Madrid office received two separate requests from two travel agents asking us to co-ordinate air travel and ground transportation for over 500 Real Madrid supporters. With the final taking place in Cardiff on Saturday 3rd June at 7.45pm, one of the key priorities was suitable arrival times ahead of the game, to ensure the fans arrived with plenty of time to spare.

WRITTEN BY

Claire Ellis

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SOLUTION

Our team in Spain searched the market for appropriate aircraft while our office in the UK requested preferred arrival times at Bristol Airport, which UEFA had allocated for Real Madrid supporters to fly into. However, when Bristol Airport released their allocation, only two weeks prior to the final, it became clear to us that they did not have the space to accommodate all of our flights. To ensure the supporters chartering with us could make it, we looked into alternative arrangements ahead of the rush. When checking all of the airports in the region it became clear that East Midlands airport was the only viable alternative, due to availability and travel time to Cardiff.

Our team of aviation professionals were able to source multiple aircraft for our clients to choose from, with both travel partners opting for the most cost effective option, an Airbus A320. To ensure successful ground transportation, our onboard representatives worked tirelessly with ground handling agents at Bristol and East Midlands airports to transfer fans onto pre-booked coaches to Cardiff. Because the coaches were ready and waiting on arrival, they were able to get to Cardiff with plenty of time to enjoy the atmosphere before witnessing Real retain their Champion’s League title in style.

THE FINER DETAILS

FLIGHT REPRESENTATION: We were present at check-in and on board all aircraft flying, ensuring all went according to schedule. This meant we were there to help with any and all problems, including issues such as lost boarding passes and late arrivals. We were also available to aid handling agents getting fans onto coaches and off to the game.

CATERING: Bespoke catering was also a part of the package put together ahead of the game. This included an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, as well as light snacks.